Newsletter June 2020


From The Captain's Chair

From The Captain's Chair

June 2020



Captain's Chair - Annual Meeting, First Responders Tribute, and Happy Fourth of July!

For those who were not able to join us for the MIASF Virtual Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on June 24th via Zoom Webinars, you missed something very special. In an unprecedented time in modern history, MIASF is incredibly fortunate to have exemplary thought leaders and business minds at its helm with new leadership on the Board of Directors, but we are equally fortunate to have talented staff who did not miss a beat when planning the annual meeting and impressively pivoted to producing and executing an entertaining and informative online event that could easily become a model for others to replicate. Former Bronco’s running back, broadcaster, motivational speaker, and author, Reggie Rivers proved to be an engaging and comedic emcee who kept the event moving smoothly between the live segments, videos, and power point presentations. New board chairman Doug West announced the composition of the new board following the elections, and MIASF recognized Award of Excellence winners, the Golden Anchor Award, the Marine Research Hub and Ocean Exchange partnership, and the Frank Herhold Memorial Scholarship winner.

Keynote speaker, Patrick Lahey, presented an inspirational and truly awe-inspiring account of ocean exploration and diving to the deepest depths of the five oceans in submersibles that he builds at his facility in Sebastian, Florida, Triton Submarines. The team is finalizing the recording of the event so that those who missed it will be able to view it on YouTube and the MIASF website.

MIASF was proud to work with the members of the Lauderdale Yacht Club board of directors to plan a unique tribute to first responders who have worked tirelessly to protect and save lives during the coronavirus outbreak. On July 25th, a parade of eight colorful sailing prams, pulled by a double-decker Water Taxi with notable community leaders and elected officials onboard, traveled west on the New River to Esplanade Park. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis offered thoughtful and encouraging remarks to those who continue to put their life on the line while we battle COVID-19. This salute to doctors, nurses, firefighters, police, and essential personnel like cashiers and clerks, was a moving expression of the city’s gratitude.

The Fourth of July is upon us, and as we begin planning for next weekend’s Independence Day celebrations, I encourage everyone to please remember to follow the rules. Yes, we will be celebrating the birth of our country’s freedoms, which we all hold dear, but for everyone’s safety and benefit, not just your own, wear a mask in public places, keep a physical distance of six feet or more from other people, do not raft up your boat with others, refrain from patronizing a crowded bar or restaurant, wash your hands, sanitize surfaces, and otherwise do the right thing to stay safe and protect us all. It’s not too much to mask!


Advocacy Report

Advocacy Report

An FEC rail upgrade will result in the nighttime closure of the bridge over the New River for four weeks beginning July 27th.  The upgrade of the rails will permit freight trains to pass the bridge at a higher rate of speed and ultimately reduce closure times. MIASF worked closely with FEC and the U.S. Coast Guard to schedule the work, with a priority to keep disruption of operations on the river to a minimum. During the week of August 17th there will be necessary daylight work that will be conducted to coincide with the regular afternoon lockdown for rush hour traffic. The detailed schedule of the closure times can be found on the MIASF website here. For information during the project, captains should communicate with the bridge tender and consult the New River Bridge app for the most up to date information.

Last week, MIASF recognized five outstanding individuals with its annual Advocacy Awards. The efforts of these public servants in the support of the marine industry have permitted essential businesses to continue operations, facilitated ease of entry for foreign yacht crew to travel to their vessels in the U.S., kept the waterways safe and navigable, and helped us maintain the economic viability of our businesses. MIASF truly appreciates the ongoing support of Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Ted Deutch, Representative Chip LaMarca, Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Ben Sorensen, and U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Jo-Ann Burdian.


Business Highlight - Sailorman

Business Highlight - Sailorman

Owned by Chuck Fitzgerald for the last 31 years, Sailorman is touted as the world’s largest and most unique marine emporium, where boaters from around the world, buy, sell, trade, and consign boat parts on a daily basis. An extensive used inventory provides the store with the personality that has made Sailorman world-renowned. In stock are more than 20,000 new and repeatable items that make up more than half its business – not including close-outs, scratch-n-dents, and those hard to find “out of production” parts. Do not let the name, Sailorman, fool you! Customers include weekend warriors, sport fisherman, “circumnavigaters,” and superyacht crew.

Piles of nautical treasure and random knick-knacks pave the path of discovery. The employees are a bit unconventional and quirky, but they make you feel at home. Sometimes customers are offered a free cold beverage because it has been a long day, and other times the offer is some bug spray because there is a mosquito or two roaming about. Amidst the heaps of random fun junk for sale, Sailorman is pretty exciting! They have it all, from the old discontinued stuff that cannot be found at the clean air-conditioned chains to the newest marine novelties. "It's not just a store, it's an adventure.


Faces in the Industry - Frank Gernert

Faces in the Industry - Frank Gernert

Tell us where you are from, what brought you to Florida, and how long you’ve lived here.

Born and raised here in Fort Lauderdale, a Broward General baby, I have made Fort Lauderdale home for well into 50 years. I remember hearing my parents and family say how much the area had changed and grown up as I was doing the same. Man, what they would say now after our growth over the last decade or so! To me Fort Lauderdale is still a “big small” town. Those in the marine industry especially have an appreciation for the value of relationships and the historical significance that the marine industry has on the growth of Fort Lauderdale. I have lived here so long because of the blend of business and natural resources. We are very blessed with both.

Where do you work, what is your job title, and what does your job entail?

Florida General Enterprises is the brand I operate under other than my name. Specifically, this combines a broad range of practical experience to be engaged on special interest project management, collaborative relationship management and strategic planning and implementation.  Most of my clients are in the sports, music, or marine industries but some engagements extend outside of those markets.  I am basically a Chief Development Officer or COO for project-based engagements.

How did you initially become interested in the marine industry?

My brother, J. Christopher Gernert the photographer. He had a Sears Gamefisher with a 9.9 Evinrude when I was about ten and took me out and ultimately let me use this and his subsequent boat. How crazy is that right? He has a few years on me and since we grew up in a family trucking business hauling liquid combustible fuels, we always had gas! I bought my first boat at 13 from Mr. Cox and the Lauderdale Marina. Got a school board permit to work up to 20 hours a week and made the monthly payment to Landmark Bank for those of you who remember the brand! It was all downhill from there. I was on the water, had my freedom and got to know the marine industry from the waterline up (and down in some cases).

What is your favorite or most valuable benefit of membership in MIASF?

Relationships and Relevance. The relationships and fraternal nature of the marine industry is second to none. Like a family, always spicy and dynamic but united in one cause could describe the MIASF and its membership. Relevance through its communications and programs.  Current and historical leadership has kept the industry relevant and informed. Most importantly, the relevance has given to recognition outside of the industry. The MIASF was under the radar of many outside of the industry but the association has proclaimed itself and shouldered in to say hey, Broward County….we basically built you and sustained you in the early days and now contribute over $9 BILLION to our economy annually. Anyone else care to stand up and say they have done the same as an industry consistently?!  You are welcome – lol. Of course, the MIASF delivers this message much more appropriately.

Describe any other community organizations or events with which you are involved.

I have served two gubernatorial appointments to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Boating Advisory Council, Florida Boating Improvement Fund Grant Review Committee as well as serving on the boards of the Barry University Andreas School of Business, Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Beach Council, John U. Lloyd State Park Master Planning Council, Florida Historic Capital Foundation Board and a variety of other business and civic associations. Most recently I was appointed by Governor Scott to the Florida Inland Navigation District (2017) as the District’s Broward County Commissioner and appointed to the Board of the Florida Sports Foundation, a division of Enterprise Florida, (2018).

Tell us about your hobbies and what kinds of things you do for fun.

Faith, life, dogs, boating, and music are my sources of entertainment and inspiration. Life and business by the Golden Rule is my internal creed and I have a relentless commitment to our State’s natural resources. So, for fun, I get out on the boat, listen to some good jams, have family and friends aboard and make sure there is a dog involved - preferably Lucie my trusted hound.


News - MIASF Board of Directors Elections

News - MIASF Board of Directors Elections

Doug West, president of Lauderdale Marine Center and chairman of the MIASF Board of Directors, announced the newly and re-elected members at MIASF’s Virtual Annual Meeting on behalf of the executive committee, which includes vice chairman Jimmie Harrison of Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, secretary/treasurer James Brewer of Derecktor Shipyards, immediate past chairman Jim Naugle of Lauderdale Boatyard, and Chairman West. New board members are Julie Berry of Marina Investments Group Stiles Realty, Tyler Chappell of the Chappell Group, Michael Kelly of Bradford Marine, and Glenn Allen of Fleet Miami, and re-elected board members are Dean DuToit of National Marine Suppliers and Andrew Doole of Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows. Returning board members are Megan Lagasse Washington of Pier 66 Marina, Graeme Lord of Fairport Yacht Support, and Marieke van Peer from Seahaven Superyacht Marina. Many thanks to Immediate Past Chairman David Reed of The Triton and retiring board member Walter Duke of Walter Duke + Partners.


News - Battle of the Boats

News - Battle of the Boats

MIASF held a Battle of the Boats design competition with students at New River Middle School as a consolation for them not being able to participate in Plywood Regatta this year due to coronavirus restrictions. Dozens of students submitted their designs and were judged against a matrix of superlatives: most likely to succeed for the boat with the most realistic design for the type of boat chosen, best decorated for the boat that looked best in design or decoration, most creative for the boat made with the most creative materials, and best overall for the student that went above and beyond in all areas of the project. And the winners are: 

Most likely to succeed: Kevin Ricks

Best decorated: Gabriel Argueta

Most creative: Max Edwards

Best overall: Cristina Baños


News - Virtual Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony

News - Virtual Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony

The annual awards were announced at the MIASF Virtual Annual Meeting, held on June 24th via Zoom Webinars. Winners were announced through video and live recognition, and included Award of Excellence Winners Bob Crawford, director of Atlantic Technical College, and Bill Walker, president of Water Taxi.

The prestigious Golden Anchor Award, which recognizes a lifetime achievement for work in the marine industry, was presented to MIASF industry liaison, Patience Cohn, for her many years of selfless service and passion for the industry.        

Special thanks and recognition went to Pam Stolarz, Lisa Samuels, and Jay Strauss as they step down from their tireless and dedicated volunteer service to MIASF and the marine industry as members of the Membership Committee.


News - Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

News - Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Be sure you have marked your calendar for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show that will take place from October 28th through November 1st this year. Many have asked if the show will go on – and indeed it will! FLIBS is anticipated to be the reset for North America and the marine industry. With seven sites and nearly 90 acres of outdoor exhibit space, Informa Markets U.S. Boat Shows and MIASF are working in tandem to establish best practices for a safe and enjoyable experience and standardize protocols that will meet or exceed CDC guidelines for guests and exhibitors. Working with EDSA, Informa is developing plans to increase the number of entrances, as well as busses and water taxis, and reconfigure docks so that they are wider and offer more circulation space.


Member News - Ferretti Group America

Member News - Ferretti Group America

Ferretti Group America, a world leader in designing, building, and marketing luxury motor yachts, has opened a 5,000 square foot office, workshop, and parts facility at Lauderdale Marine Center (LMC). Ferretti will employ eight full-time employees, with plans to add 15 to 20 new positions in the coming year at the LMC location.

Ferretti's new parts department at LMC, which will be open to the public, will house more than 3,000 individual items from brands including Ethos, Aqua Signal, Mastervolt, Fluiten, Side-Power, Besenzoni, Cantalupi, Lopolight, Gianneschi, Calpeda, Guidi, Planus, Tecma, Gallinea, H&B Technics, and Tecnoseal. The parts department also stores and manages custom kits for spare parts for American owners of Ferretti Group brand boats.

Ferretti's new service department is equipped to handle warranty work, routine maintenance, complete refits, and all phases of yacht refinishing for all Ferretti Group brands, including Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Wally, Itama, Riva, MochiCraft, CRN and CustomLine. All technicians are factory trained and attend annual recertifications. Mobile service vans with qualified trained technicians also are available for dockside visits from Ferretti's hub at LMC.


Member News - Fred Kirtland

Member News - Fred Kirtland

Fred Kirtland, previous president and general manager of Merrill-Stevens shipyard in Miami, died on April 5th. An icon of the South Florida shipyard and brokerage industry, Kirtland was born and raised in Miami and spent nearly 50 years at the legendary shipyard on the Miami River. He was 91. Mr. Kirtland is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Whit; daughter, Kindy; four grandchildren and a legion of yacht brokers and shipyard workers whose careers he helped forge. A ceremony of his life will be planned when restrictions over gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted.


Member News - TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale

Member News - TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale

TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale took delivery of an incredibly robust 55 ANB (Aids to Navigation Boat) in mid-May. The boat has a rich history serving as a United States Coast Guard vessel and was built to service Coast Guard Aids to Navigation. She is 55 feet long, equipped with twin 12-cylinder Detroit Diesel engines, has berthing for four passengers and has a crane mounted to the work deck. This vessel served the Galveston, Texas area prior to being purchased and placed into commercial service several years ago. The boat was built by R. E. Derecktor in the Mamaroneck, N.Y. shipyard in 1977 to military specifications and has stood the test of time with amazing grace. She has been named Lady Katherine, in honor of Katherine Acheson, wife of TowBoatUS Ft. Lauderdale president and founder, Larry Acheson.

TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale purchased the vessel to help fill a void left when their 46’ launch boat entered a long-term charter agreement. She will not be painted red or lettered with the TowBoatU.S. trademarks right away. so she can get to work taking care of the company’s loyal customers as soon as possible. The vessel will be primarily utilized as a cargo and passenger launch vessel, also performing medium range towing duties as the Bahamian government eases restrictions and the need for the company’s towing from the Bahamas spools up during the summer months.


Past Events - Maritime Monday

Past Events - Maritime Monday

MIASF combined three popular networking tools into one fun event when it hosted an online virtual Maritime Monday on June 15th that included a friendly trivia competition and a special awareness and fundraising component for the American Lung Association Lung Force Turquoise Takeover. Participants enjoyed lively banter and brought their own refreshments to their living rooms, offices, and kitchen counters, where they interacted with other members and enjoyed an evening in.


Past Events - MIASF Virtual Annual Meeting

Past Events - MIASF Virtual Annual Meeting

MIASF held its annual meeting virtually on June 24th using the Zoom platform. With both live and videotaped portions of the event emceed by former Denver Bronco’s running back, broadcaster, and author, Reggie Rivers, the association’s first virtual annual meeting was followed by an online After Party with live music and open chat room.

A riveting keynote speech was delivered by Patrick Lahey, president of Triton Submarines from Sebastian, Florida, who builds ultra-sophisticated submersibles for high profile ocean explorers like Ray Dalio, founder of the well-known investment firm Bridgewater Associates, who also founded the exploration initiative OceanX, James Cameron the film producer, and Victor Vescovo, a billionaire adventurer who, with the help of Lahey and his team, dove to the deepest points in the five oceans on Earth and is the subject of the Discovery Challenge documentary, Deep Planet.

Additionally, the Frank Herhold Memorial Scholarship was presented to Marissa Mehlrose, who is in the second year of her marine science master’s program at Nova Southeastern University, where she is studying the shortfin Mako shark population.


Past Events - Anchor Meeting

Past Events - Anchor Meeting

June’s Anchor Meeting had special guest speaker, Mark Gale, the CEO/director of aviation of the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Mark shared statistical data on the operations of the airport in the wake of COVID-19 and how the facility is responding to health and safety concerns. He also gave an update on the airport terminal addition and parking.


Did You Know?

Did You Know?

COVID-19 restrictions are very much in place and must be adhered to in order to stop the spread. Remember, wear a face covering in public, maintain physical distance of at least six feet, and do not gather with more than 10 people at a time.


Salty Jobs

Salty Jobs

MIASF is proud to announce that its educational video series depicting jobs and career paths in the marine industry, Salty Jobs, won the Bronze Telly Award for Social Video in the category of Education & Discovery, specifically for the episode showcasing Resolve Maritime Academy.

The series, which is now entering its fourth season, features youthful and engaging co-hosts who highlight careers in the marine industry by spending a day working with employees and showcasing various jobs at every level, from trade skills to managerial to entrepreneurial.

Salty Jobs has become a model for how to communicate job opportunities and career paths to middle school and high school students, young adults, and anyone looking for an exciting career with great benefits.

Salty Jobs episodes can be viewed at www.YouTube.com/marineindustriesassociationofsouthflorida or at www.saltyjobs.org.

 

Featured Job: The Seafarers International Union is currently seeking folks interested in a career at sea. Currently they have positions in the Deck, Engine and Steward Departments. Current Coast Guard documents a plus. interested persons can call Kris Hopkins @ 954-522-7984.


New Members

New Members

MIASF is pleased to welcome its newest Anchor Member, Bradford Marine and its family of companies:

Bradford Marine, High Seas Technologies, Pipewelders, P & R Canvas, LLC, and Billfish Marina

 

Regular Members:

Billfish Marina

William Pou

Email: williampou@billfishmarina.com 

Website: www.billfishmarina.com    

2955 W State Rd. 84

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Phone: (954) 587-6226

Company Description: Our marina features a full-service boatyard with a 70-ton lift and enclosed paint tent, as well as dockage space for vessels up to 130-feet long.

We are one in a group of companies that complement and work side by side with each other. Together, we offer the customer the opportunity to have one stop, turn-key service on any refit or new construction. This can be accomplished at one dock, or be started at one location and completed anywhere in the world. Separately, each company is an experienced leader in its field and together we accomplish world-class installations in world class time. This also allows us to offer services to a single small vessel, a large ship, or an entire fleet.

 

Coastal Offshore X-cellence

Steven Gilchrist

Email: stevegilchrist@coastaloffshorex-cellence.com 

Website: www.coastaloffshoreX-cellence.com 

3301 S Andrews Ave., #6

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Phone: (954) 816-8500

Company Description: Coastal Offshore X-cellence is the best provider of high-end electrical engineering on yachts, gyro stabilization systems, and HVAC in South Florida. We have worked with many clients including current and future yacht owners, captains, and manufacturers who constantly seek yacht maintenance and yacht stabilizers.

Our company has been growing since it was first founded. We use our years of experience to discover the best practices that we can recommend to our clients. We are proud to say that this is a family-oriented business that takes great care of their employees while providing the highest level of expertise in the yacht industry.

 

Pipelining Technologies, Inc.

Patty Wegener

Email: patty@pipeLT.com 

Website: www.pipelt.com 

1500 N Florida Mango Rd., Suite #1

West Palm Beach, FL 33409

Phone: (561) 853-5463

Company Description: Pipelining Technologies, Inc. is a Florida State Certified Plumbing Contractor (License # CFC1428578) with over 25 Years of experience. Our non-destructive services restore marine drainage lines.  We specialize in difficult-to-reach areas and utilize remote video detection and robotics to repair aged, damaged, cracked, or blocked lines. Rest assured that our professional crewmembers will care for your vessel and renew your pipes for decades of worry-free use. We proudly use eco-friendly/green technology in all of our rehabilitation processes. To schedule an evaluation, please call (561)853-5463 or visit us at: www.PipeLT.com

 

Port 32 Marina Fort Lauderdale

Cathy Petowsky

Email: cathy@port32fortlauderdale.com 

Website: www.port32marinas.com 

1915 SW 21st Avenue

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Phone: (954) 895-8360

Company Description: Dockage 65'-150'. Fuel dock open 7 days a week. Gas and diesel. Coming in 2021 - boatyard vessels up to 150 tons of dry storage.

 

Taylor Lane Yacht and Ship

David Morrison

Email: tlyachtandship@gmail.com 

Website: www.taylorlaneyachtandship.com 

760 Taylor Lane, Suite 2

Dania Beach, FL 33004

Company Description: Taylor Lane Yacht and Ship offers solutions to yacht refits to fit your specific needs. We offer a bespoke approach to yacht repair.

 

Associate Members:

 

John Galt Commercial Insurance Agency

Mike Maser

Email: michaelm@john-galt.com 

Website: www.john-galt.com 

3303 W Commercial Blvd., 2nd Floor

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Phone: (954) 440-2800

Company Description: Independent insurance agency.